Zambia leaves Women's World Cup with dignity

Jul 31, 2023 - 15:06

Minami Moeka (L) of Japan vies with Barbra Banda (C) of Zambia during their group C match at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Hamilton, New Zealand, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

HAMILTON, New Zealand, July 31 (Xinhua)

New army Zambia finished their last game in 2023 Women's World Cup with a consolation prize as they beat Costa Rica 3-1 in a dead-rubber here on Monday.

Zambia and Costa Rica had already been eliminated after two rounds, with Zambia suffering back-to-back 5-0 defeats.

However, Zambia's first goal in the campaign came just three minutes into the game when a corner found Lushomo Mweemba who cushioned it into the net.

The African side doubled the lead when they earned a penalty in the 31st minute, Barbra Banda kept her cool to convert it.

Costa Rica breathed a life back straight after the break when Zambia's goalkeeper Catherine Musonda's howler allowed Valeria Del Campo to assist for Melissa Herrera to turn in from a close range.

But Zambia dented their opposite number's hopes in stoppage time as Racheal Kundananji beat the goalkeeper one-on-one. Zambia capped off their first World Cup trip with a third group finish, while Costa Rica placed at bottom.